Brad Witzel

Brad Witzel is the Adelaide Worth Daniels Distinguished Professor of Special Education at Western Carolina University (WCU), joining from Winthrop University where he served as special education undergraduate program director. His career began in 1994 as a high school special education teacher in Fairfax, Virginia, focusing on mathematics and students with learning disabilities. Witzel advocates for effective teaching practices and motivational strategies to empower students often labeled as unteachable. He earned his doctorate from the University of Florida, balancing academic rigor with family commitments.

Education:

• Began as a high school teacher in Fairfax, VA (1994)
• Master’s in Special Education (Florida)
• PhD from University of Florida (completed two weeks before first child’s birth)

Research & Teaching: Specializes in evidence-based methods for students with disabilities, emphasizing motivational principles and teacher training. His work highlights the potential of students often underestimated, as seen in cases like a formerly incarcerated student who excelled under his mentorship. Witzel prioritizes observing students’ growth, such as Lindsay Sheronick/Yearta, who became a professor at Winthrop.

Awards:

• Adelaide Worth Daniels Distinguished Professor (WCU)

Advising & Partnerships: Mentored educators like Lindsay Yearta and collaborates with WCU’s Catamount School. Envisions expanding research partnerships with state departments and fostering academic collaborations at WCU.

Labs/Teams: Engaged with the Catamount School, a laboratory school at Smoky Mountain High School.